PasoVoice.Com :: NPR Questions for cat people

Marleen Robinson

My 6 year old, otherwise very healthy, domestic long hair cat was diagnosed a week ago with chilothorax. She has been in and out of the ER, had her chest tapped 4 times so far. Last time was around 1 am Thursday. She is now resting comfortably, breathing normal. Just don't know how long this will last... She has no other health issues, FIV/Leuk. neg, heartworm neg. Has any one had any expierience with this? I understand there is really no cure for this, since they call hers 'Idiopathic Chylothorax', but I have read about some cases treated with anti biotics and Rutin, that it may eventually correct itself. Surgery is a slight possibilty, but only 40% succes rate so far, and could run several thousand $$. We will fight with her as long as she wants to. I am leaving the final desicion up to her. She is the absolute sweetest baby, but I will not let her suffer. I am heartbroken, can any one help me help Lizzie?

Thanks

BigJ

Poor kitty! So sorry to hear what she is going through. No, unfortunately I've never heard of the condition.

My thoughts are with you and Lizzie.

Marleen Robinson

Thanks, I appreciate your thoughts.

caliber · Site Admin

Kerry W · Site Admin

Keep us posted on her progress...you have my prayers and good thoughts!

Marleen Robinson

Thank you, all for caring about my sweet girl. She is sound asleep right now, doing well. HER 5th chest tap was on Saturday. I took her in for an xray, it show her left cavity totally clear Smile

, but she pulled about 120cc's off the right. Some improvevment seems to take place. I am very guarded, but a little hopefull also. Keep her in your toughts, we are a long way from being 'out of the woods'. She could crash at any time. Crying or Very sad

.
As long as she is not acting sick, or uncomfortable, we will keep fighting with her.
I hope nobody is in direct path of IKE. Please, be careful! Thinking of you!
\
Marleen, and LIZZIE

Marleen Robinson

Well, Lizzie is still doing OK this morning. This is the longest so far she has gone without another chest tap Smile

. She is eating and drinking well. I am slightly optimistic! I will post another update later. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers, It seems to be helping!
PS, she actually brought me her little ball this morning! She wanted to play Laughing

. It was soooo great to see her do that again!!!

BigJ

So glad to hear it! She's a fighter! I hope she continues getting well.

{{{{Hugs}}}}

Marleen Robinson

Thank you all! Still doing ok tonite. Keeping my fingers crossed for a peaceful night's sleep. I so need it!
Will be talking to vet again in the morning, may take her for xrays. I will keep you all updated.

Kerry W · Site Admin

Oh that sounds GREAT Marleen! You're an awesome Mom!

Marleen Robinson

Kerry, I am not an awesome Mom, Liz is an awesome cat! This is all about her! If she starts to deteriate, or act sick, in any way, I will not let her suffer. That's what's so hard about this didease! She is purrfecllly happy in between chest taps! As long as she is not ready to give up, I won't give up either!!!!

Marleen Robinson

Hi all, probably getting tired of hearing from us, but here goes! Lizzie is breathing well, she is relaxed, still eating good etc. She did sleep a lot today. Besides that, seems normal. Xray and possible fluid tap at 8 am tomorrow. It has been since last Saturday am when she was tapped. Good news, so far. I am making all of her vet records availble to any one that may need it. It is uncommon, but how many people have found their cat dead one morning, for no apparent reason? This could be it! To be honest, if this would have happened to one of my outside kitties that night, I may have never noticed.
Lizzie says 'thank you all, for you concern'!

Marleen Robinson

Xrays yesterday morning showed some fluid has re-collected in chest cavity again. No tap was done, since she seemed comfortable, and vet fears scar tissue will start buiding up, and cause more damage. Her breathing today is a little more labored again. She is eating and drinking well, not stressed. Keeping a very close on her, again. We may end up at the ER again today. Since fluid buildup is slowing down, we may consider a chest tube. Vet seems to think the valve may be slowly healing itself. I'll keep you all updated!

Marleen Robinson

Sweet Lizzie went to sleep in my arms last night. We are heartbroken..
Her fight is over, she can rest now.

Kerry W · Site Admin

Oh Marleen...I am so sorry for your loss! Crying or Very sad

How fortunate your animals are to have such a wonderful caregiver. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hug